YOGA
&
YOU
Kimberly J. Davis
www.journeytowholeness.org
Why Yoga is a crucial component
to health and wellness: by
Kimberly J. DavisOver the last
decade Yoga has become the
new trend in the fitness world.
However, most people know very
little about the traditional practice
of Yoga and why it is so
beneficial for your overall health
& wellness.
10
Yoga is an ancient practice that
dates back to over 5000 years ago.
Its origins are said to be from
India. Yoga was primarily an oral
tradition passed down through
many generations. Yoga is not
compatible or aligned to any
religious belief system. It is based
on an evolving understanding and
direct experience of life. Yoga is a
Sanskrit term that means “to yoke”
or “unite”. The practice of Yoga
unites mind, body and spirit. Yoga
practices induce peace, health,
creativity and balance within every
aspect of our physical, emotional,
mental and spiritual states of
being. As the oral tradition of yoga
began to grow, certain aspects of
the practice were codified. One of
the primary texts utilized by yogis
is the Yoga Sutras, which was
written and collected by the Indian
sage Patanjali. The creation of the
Yoga Sutras established a pattern
or standard for memorizing and
studying Yoga. The 8 limbs of
Yoga were introduced in this text
which is the basis of the Yoga
system as we know it today.
The Yoga that we practice today in
the Western world stems directly
from the 3 Limb of Yoga, Asana
or Hatha Yoga. Asana is the ability
to form and hold a posture that is
stable and comfortable while
regulating the breath. This system
of Yoga provides a vast amount of
healing and health benefits. Most
people are only familiar with the
physical aspects and benefits of
yoga achieved as part of a physical
fitness or exercise routine.
However, Yoga is much more than
exercise. It is a system designed to
provide flexibility and strength to
the skeletal, muscular and nervous
systems. It strengthens the spine,
reducing back pains and issues.
The postures massage the internal
organs, regulates circulation and
stimulates the glandular system.
Yoga Asanas restore the body to
its natural equilibrium and
alleviates tension so the muscles
and nervous system will relax
more naturally. Yoga also allows
Prana (life force energy) to easily
flow through the body’s energy
centers allowing it to naturally
balance and heal.